Thomian Ghany chosen to play for Leeds-Bradford University
Naweed Ghany that talented all rounder from S Thomas' College, Mt
Lavinia arrived in Sri Lanka with a delegation from Bradford College.
Ghany was recommended to the Bradford and Bringley Club when he arrived
in Wes Yorkshire to start a three year degree course in Business
Management at Bradford College. Ghany has been the only overseas player
to record over 1000 runs in the season for the club Bradford and Bingley,
Ghany also took over 30 wickets with his leg spin bowling in the
Division one League.
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Naweed Ghany lofting a ball |
Ghany scored a cracking 149 not out and five half centuries during
the season.
"I enjoyed my first season in England" said Naweed, "and the cricket
was of a really good standard. I had played good class of cricket in
Colombo, but conditions in England were very different and it took time
for me to adapt to the climate and to other conditions.
"I also had to get used to the pitches. Some of the clubs had good
wickets, but some of the wickets had uneven bounce. But you need to
adapt to every type of wicket and gain experience on different
conditions," said Ghany.
Ghany, also said that his parents were a great source of strength and
encouragement. Specially my father Ashroff Ghany who himself was a good
cricketer during his days, used to take me to the grounds when I was
young and throw a few cork balls at me on the side wickets. I can also
remember he used to wet tennis balls and bounce at me. Most importantly
is that, the mind game he used to teach me played a important part in my
career.
Bradford college Project Manager Ronnie Todd said that such was the
impact created by Naweed, that by the end of season everyone knew about
Bradford and Bingley's Sri Lankan all rounder.
By now, other clubs were casting envious eyes towards engaging the 21
year old player. "Happily for Bradford and Bingley members, Naweed has
agreed to continue playing for the club next season and he has also been
chosen in the Leds-Bradford Universities Squad which will give him the
opportunity to play against first class counties. Ghany has completed
the first year of his course, passing the examination," said Rnnie Todd.
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